English Apples - Burford Red
Extremely late dessert apple; the central picture below was taken on 4 Jan.. The blossom is early and is white. Flesh greenish-white, good flavour, firm; these apples have to be
netted from late October onwards because of their colour (they attract birds). They can be picked fresh
on Christmas morning. They grow easily in pots on a suitable rootstock. Very similar to Allen's Everlasting (q.v.)
but less tendency to russeting and slightly later.
On a good rootstock in a sunny situation they are deep purple in colour and larger.
I have had apples hang well into Feb. some years, though by
this time the fruit is becoming slightly mealy. Best time for picking usually mid-end Dec. They are strongly biennial; a heavy crop in the 'on' year. In 2011 the fruit lasted in good condition until late April.
Note that this is not to be confused with the apple Burford's Redflesh, a redfleshed apple of rather indifferent (and slightly bitter) flavour from America (q.v.). To avoid confusion with other 'Burford' apples this one is listed by Derek Tolman as 'Procrastinator'; it can always be left on the tree one more day.
Pictures (click on small images for detail):
Blossom
Fruit
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..photo 12 Dec 05
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photo 20-21 Dec 07, in
the winter gloom; netted against birds.......
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compiled by Nigel Deacon / Diversity website
